NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Feng Qingyin/Global Times
IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Dincy Adlakha
INTERNATIONAL
China-US trade suges in 2021 but deficit widens; Chinese media renders tariffs ineffective
On 14 January, Global Times reported that trade between China and the US reached heights in 2021 by a 28.7 percent jump. It amounted to 12 percent of China’s record-breaking 6 trillion USD foreign trade. These numbers were reached despite the tariffs imposed by the US on China amid political and economic tensions between the two giants. The data was released by the Chinese Customs department and reflects strong flow of trade between the world’s two largest economies. China recorded a 396.5 billion USD trade surplus with the US in 2021. The surplus widened in December 2021 the most, from the first 11 months of the year. (Shen Weiduo and Chu Daye, “US’ trade with China surges 28.7% in 2021, but widening deficit proves tariffs ‘a failure’,” Global Times, 14 January 2022)
Chinese FM spokesperson refutes the claims made by the US on Xinjiang human rights issues
On 14 January, Chinese Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin made remarks on the ‘genocide’ and ‘forced labor’ accusations made by the US. Wang refuted the claims made and announced that the “anti-China forces” are attempting to suppress China with the “lie of the century.” Wang stated that, “those who fabricate lies on Xinjiang always camouflage themselves with three cloaks.” The cloaks being: first, spreading rumors in the name of academic research; second, the cloak of victims and ‘fake witnesses’; and third, the cloak of law and spreading lies under the pretext of legal framework. Wang pointed out that, “It is not difficult to see that the real fabricators and 'beneficiaries' of Xinjiang-related lies are some anti-China forces in the United States.” He also added that the anti-China forces in the US is concocting lies to undermine stability and development of China. (“China debunks Xinjiang-related lies fabricated by anti-China forces,” Xinhua Net, 2022)
China, US plan to release oil reserves near Lunar New Year
On 14 January, Reuters reported that China, US and other major consumers have confirmed a plan to release crude oil from China’s national strategic stockpiles around the Lunar New Year beginning from 1 February. Reuters also mentioned that the amount of oil is not public yet and will depend on price levels. The plan is coordinated to reduce global prices. If the prices are higher, a large quantity of oil will be dispensed while a smaller amount will be released if the prices are low. China’s National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration has not commented on the matter for now. (Nidhi Verma and Timothy Gardner, “Exclusive: China agrees with U.S. to release oil reserves near Lunar New Year,” Reuters, 14 January 2022)
Netherlands and Denmark will not be sending officials to the Beijing Winter Olympics
On 14 January, Netherlands and Denmark Foreign Ministries announced they will not be sending diplomatic representatives to the Beijing Winter Olympics. The Dutch Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Frits Kemperman said: “We think that the severe Covid measures will make it difficult to have meetings in China and a substantive programme of bilateral meetings with the host country.” Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said: “The government has decided that we will not take part in the Winter Olympics in China … It is no secret that we, in Denmark, are very concerned by the human rights situation in China.” The Dutch government confirmed that the decision is following the ‘political boycott’ announced by US, Canada, Australia, UK and Canada. (“Netherlands and Denmark won’t send officials to Beijing Olympics,” South China Morning Post, 15 January 2022)
INTERNAL
Senior Party official emphasizes CPC history education
On 14 January, a senior official from the Party, Wang Huning, addressed a study session at the Party School of the CPC central Committee. At the close of his address, he emphasized the importance of studying and promoting Party history to create a better future. Wang also called for a mechanism to make better use of the historical experience of the Party. He asked officials to reflect on Party history as an inspiration for the peaceful development of China and pursue high-quality development. (“Senior official stresses importance of CPC history education,” Xinhua Net, 14 January 2022)
China ‘s top legislator voices out plans for improving eco-conservation legal system in the country
On 14 January, China’s top legislator Li Zhanshu called in for efforts to be made to “perfect China’s legal system for ecological and environmental protection,” reported Xinhua. Li, the chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) addressed the symposium on eco-environmental legislation conducted by the Environmental Protection and Resources Conservation Committee. Li stressed on implementing President Xi Jinping Thought of Ecological Civilization and coordination efforts to enact new eco-environment legislations along with amending the existing ones. He also emphasized on the importance of designing a legal framework to facilitate an all-round green transformation for economic and social development. (“ Top legislator urges improving eco-conservation legal system in China,” Xinhua Net, 14 January 2022)
Omicron cases detected in Zhuhai, second city in the Chinese mainland
On 14 January, Global Times reported that Zhuhai in South China’s Guangdong Province detected seven locally-transmitted Omicron cases. This is the second city in Chinese mainland after Tianjin to be hit by Omicron. Due to this latest development all flights to Beijing have been cancelled and the nearby cities have suspended expressways and water transportation. On 14 January, Tianjin reported 142 Omicron cases. This tense situation has left the authorities in wary of the spill over of Omicron variant in various parts of China. (“South China’s Zhuhai becomes second Chinese mainland city to report Omicron variant; cancels all flights to Beijing,” Global Times, 14 January 2022)